On Tuesday’s episode of the Good Hang podcast, Rashida Jones reflected on her brief time on “The Office” as Karen Filippelli, an employee at the rival Dunder Mifflin Stamford branch and a romantic rival to Pam (Jenna Fischer) for Jim’s (John Krasinski) affection.
Rashida Jones on “The Office”
“I had done a year on The Office and they let me go, which made sense. It made sense,” Jones told host Amy Poehler, who would later star alongside Jones on Parks and Recreation for seven years.
Poehler empathized, saying, “You had such a tough job there, because everybody wanted Jim and Pam, and then guess who shows up? A very likable, cool… and everyone was like, ‘Oh no, wait.'” Poehler was trying to bolster Jones’ critical view of her time on the NBC sitcom, but Jones quickly responded, “It did not feel that way. People did not like me. Like, fans were not about it.”
Karen first appeared in Season 3, with Jim transferring from the Scranton branch to Stamford. Their chemistry developed quickly, turning into a brief relationship, which Jim ended in the season finale. Reflecting on her character, Jones shared, “I understand now that my role was to create tension for the relationship between Jim and Pam to be earned later.” She added, “So I was the third point in the triangle. It’s fine. I accept it.”
Despite only spending one season on “The Office”, Jones returned for a few episodes, including one in Season 4 and another in Season 5. Her final cameo as Karen appeared in Season 7’s “Threat Level Midnight.” By that time, “Parks and Recreation” was already in its third season, marking a new chapter in Jones’ career.
Although her time on “The Office” was brief, Rashida Jones’ portrayal of Karen Filippelli remains a memorable part of the series’ legacy. Her role in the love triangle added depth and tension to Jim and Pam’s evolving relationship, despite the challenges of fan reception. Looking back, Jones has embraced the experience as an important part of her journey, which ultimately led to her successful role in Parks and Recreation and a flourishing career. Her story serves as a reminder of how even short-lived roles can leave a lasting impact and shape an actor’s future. Episodes of “Good Hang” come out on Tuesdays.
